Kolkata Knight Riders' Vice-Captain Venkatesh Iyer talks about Home Advantage in IPL

Updated: 04 Apr 2025, 09:46 AM IST

Venkatesh Iyer, the vice-captain of Kolkata Knight Riders, discusses the importance of adapting to pitch conditions at home ground Eden Gardens in the IPL.

Kolkata Knight Riders' Vice-Captain on Home Advantage

Venkatesh Iyer, the vice-captain of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), recently shared his views on home advantage in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He emphasized the need for professional cricketers to adjust to the conditions offered at the venue, rather than depending on specific pitch preparations.

Debate Over Pitch Conditions

The discussion on home advantage arose when Eden Gardens pitch curator Sujan Mukherjee declined KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane's request for spin-friendly tracks. This decision was met with mixed reactions, especially after KKR suffered a defeat against Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Venkatesh's Perspective

Venkatesh Iyer highlighted the importance of adapting to the pitch conditions during matches. He mentioned that while professional players should be able to adjust to any conditions, it would be advantageous for KKR if the pitch at Eden Gardens meets their requirements.

Following KKR's victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad, Venkatesh reiterated the team's success mantra of adapting and adjusting to the conditions while playing. He commended the team's approach and strategy that led them to a competitive total of 200/6.

Rinku Singh Partnership

The partnership between Rinku Singh and Venkatesh Iyer proved crucial in steering KKR to a formidable total. The duo accelerated the scoring rate, showcasing their ability to dominate the opposition bowlers and turn the match in their favor.

Final Thoughts

Venkatesh Iyer's insights shed light on the significance of understanding pitch conditions and devising a plan accordingly. His approach of taking time to settle in and then accelerating the scoring rate proved effective for KKR in their recent matches.

In conclusion, Venkatesh's strategic mindset and adaptability reflect KKR's determination to excel in the IPL, irrespective of the pitch conditions at Eden Gardens.